
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development launches $120mn luxury hotel project in Egypt
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) announced the launch of a luxury hotel project in Egypt, envisaging investments to the tune of $120 million (AED 440 million).
The 5-star hotel project, named 'Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza', is part of the Abu Dhabi fund's efforts to enhance its strategic investments in the African country.
Abu Dhabi Fund's Egypt luxury hotel project
The hotel project is also aimed at contributing to the development of the hospitality and tourism sector in Egypt and the broader Middle East.
The project, featuring 302 rooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and a selection of international restaurants and entertainment facilities, will be financed through a strategic partnership between the private sectors of the UAE and Egypt.
While ADFD will contribute 84.28 per cent of the project's capital through Abu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company (ADTIC), the remaining equity stake will be held by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (10.22 per cent) Overseas Tourism Investment Company (0.4 per cent), Misr Hotels Company (2.73 per cent) and the Egyptian General Company for Tourism & Hotels (2.37 per cent).
Blending rich history with modern luxury, the project promises an exceptional hospitality experience that meets the highest international standards.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company will partner with Accor Group, a globally renowned hospitality brand, to manage the hotel and ensure excellence in service and guest experience.
Enhancing Egypt's tourism sector
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said through the partnership with Accor Group, the Fund aims to elevate the tourism industry, while supporting economic and social development in Egypt.
'This investment is a reflection of ADFD's commitment to advancing sustainable development projects and driving investment partnerships that fuel economic growth in partner countries,' he said.
Engineer Adel Al-Najjar, the Governor of Giza, said the project is a model for successful investment collaboration between Egypt and the UAE.
'We look forward to expanding such partnerships to further our sustainable development goals,' he said.
By blending luxury hospitality with Egypt's rich cultural heritage, the Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza project is expected to strengthen the country's position as a premier global tourist destination.
Its strategic location near iconic landmarks will attract visitors from around the world, creating new investment opportunities and driving the sustainable growth of Egypt's tourism sector.
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Arabian Post
4 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai Unveils Iconic Blue Line Metro Expansion with Record‑Breaking Station
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has marked the commencement of work on the long-planned Dubai Metro Blue Line, laying the foundation stone for its first station—an architectural masterpiece poised to become the world's highest metro stop at 74 metres. The AED 56 billion project will see construction of a 30 km rail corridor featuring 14 stations and 15.5 km of tunnels. When completed in 2029, it will extend Dubai's transit network to 131 km with 78 stations, serviced by 168 trains. Laying out the design, Sheikh Mohammed described the station—named 'Emaar Properties'—as an 'architectural icon' that aligns with Dubai's cultural landmarks. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the station spans approximately 11,000 m² and is expected to handle 160,000 passengers daily, rising to 70,000 by 2040. Built to bridge Dubai Creek via a 1.3 km viaduct, the alignment also encompasses advanced sustainable features and full Platinum-level green building certification. ADVERTISEMENT The Blue Line will connect nine key districts, from Bur Dubai/Deira through Dubai Silicon Oasis to Academic City, also establishing interchanges with the existing Red and Green lines at Al Rashidiya and Al Jaddaf respectively. Travel time is expected to be between 10 and 25 minutes, with a projected ridership of 200,000 by 2030 and up to 320,000 by 2040. Oversight for the project was awarded five months ago to a consortium led by Turkey's MAPA and Limak, with China's CRRC delivering rail systems. The contract, valued at AED 20.5 billion, follows an international tender detailed by the Roads and Transport Authority. Construction began in April under RTA supervision and is slated to complete by September 2029, coinciding with the Metro's 20th anniversary. The Blue Line is not only a transport project but also a key driver of Dubai's broader economic and urban strategy, under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Analysts predict it could deliver AED 2.60 in economic, social, and environmental benefits for every dirham invested by 2040, with potential reduction of road congestion by 20% and a 25% uplift in land values near stations. At a ceremony held on June 9 2025, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director‑General, and representatives from the MAPA-Limak-CRRC group, as he laid the foundation stone for the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. The station's design reflects a fusion of traditional stone, bronze, and glass to evoke a modern heritage, with natural lighting enhancing passenger experience. Beyond the landmark station, the Blue Line includes Dubai's largest underground interchange station at International City 1, covering 44,000 m² and capable of processing 350,000 passengers per day. The elevated–subterranean route is engineered for flexibility: a Y‑junction system allows trains to run directly from Academic City to either Creek or Centrepoint without passenger transfers. ADVERTISEMENT An important feature of the new line is the metro's first-ever bridge spanning Dubai Creek—a 1.3 km link set to provide scenic and efficient connectivity between the city's burgeoning north‑east and the urban core. Emaar Properties has secured naming rights for the iconic station under a ten-year agreement beginning at its 2029 inauguration. Similar agreements for other stations are expected to follow. Since opening in 2009, the Dubai Metro has carried over 2.5 billion passengers, averaging 900,000 day-to-day users. With the Blue Line operational, that figure is projected to only grow—annual ridership is expected to surpass 300 million by 2026. SOM's involvement as design lead brings a legacy of landmark architecture—its portfolio includes global icons such as the Burj Khalifa, New York's Olympic Tower, and Chicago's Willis Tower. The firm's concept of a 'crossing gateway' symbolises Dubai's ambition to blend aesthetics and connectivity in its infrastructural projects. As Dubai develops rapidly under its 2040 plan, transport-oriented infrastructure such as the Blue Line serves multiple objectives: reducing road travel times, supporting high-density developments like Dubai Creek Harbour and Academic City, and promoting sustainable urban growth. Amenities across Blue Line stations will include bus bays, taxi ranks, bike and e-scooter zones, and full accessibility provisions tailored to 'people of determination'. The $5.6 billion deal for the Blue Line contract, confirmed by Reuters in December 2024, sets high expectations for the consortium's delivery through to 2029. Monthly monitoring by the RTA forecasts a phased construction schedule that aligns with urban expansion milestones tied to Expo City Dubai and continuing population growth. By 2040, the RTA projects that the Metro network will serve 320,000 riders per day on the Blue Line alone, integrated with over 80% of city services reachable within a 20-minute public transit ride—supporting the '20‑Minute City' goal. The Blue Line is expected to be a catalyst for new patterns of mobility, shaping development in under-served districts like Mirdif, Al Warqa, and Ras Al Khor, while reinforcing Dubai's status as a testbed for smart and sustainable infrastructure. The combination of landmark design, intermodal connectivity, and environmental ambition positions the line as a model for future metro expansions globally.


Web Release
6 hours ago
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Finish your evening looking over the Dubai Marina skyline, while tasting a range of sweet desserts such as Tiramisu, A Tutto Pesca: Cheesecake (peach cheesecake in five consistencies), or a refreshing Melon Sorbet. Venue: Siena, Grosvenor House Dubai Price: Starting from AED 150 Date: Available until August 31st Time: Daily from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Situated in the heart of the Dubai Marina, Siddharta Lounge offers a unique summer dining experience where international cuisine in a contemporary setting. Begin your culinary adventure with a delightful Crunchy Chicken Gochujang, Shrimp Tempura, or Bi-Colour Quinoa Salad. For the main course, indulge in a choice of Pan Seared Salmon, Green Asparagus Risotto, or Yakisoba Noodles with Portobello Mushroom Steak. Complete an unforgettable dining experience with a choice of delightful desserts, such as the Cappuccino Cappuccino Mousse, Baked Chocolate & Banana, or a selection of ice cream and sorbet. Venue: Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, Grosvenor House Dubai Price: Starting AED 150 Date: Available until August 31st Time: Sun – Thurs 6:00 PM until 1:00 AM, Fri – Sat 6:00 PM until 2:00 AM Rhodes W1 Experience culinary sophistication at Rhodes W1, where culinary artistry blends with classic flavours. Beginning with an enticing selection of starters: the velvety Tomato Soup paired with Garlic Croutes the classic yet elevated Prawn Cocktail, or the vibrant Warm Poached Egg, with melted Swiss cheese. For your main course, indulge in the rich flavours of the Salmon Fishcake, complemented by a warm poached hen's-egg and buttered spinach. Alternatively, you can opt for the tender Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast served with sweetcorn mash and mushroom sauce, or delight in the Mushroom Risotto, perfectly topped with Parmesan crisp. For the finale, choose from the Vanilla Rice Pudding, Tiramisu Sunday, and sorbet and ice cream selection. Venue: Rhodes W1, Grosvenor House Dubai Price: Starting AED 150 Date: Available until August 31st Time: Tues – Sat 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM until 7:30 PM Diners that are seeking to elevate their experience can visit the following restaurants offering a 3-course set menu priced at AED 250 per person, available from the 1st June to the 31st August. Indego by Vineet At Indego by Vineet, an extensive selection of menu items s has been curated to suit every palate. The menu boasts an enticing selection of starters, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options such as Lattice Samosa Chickpea Chaat or Chicken Maharani, and Lamb Seekh Malai. For the mains, Lemongrass Chilli Coconut Prawns, Tadka Dal, Lacha Butter Naan, Saffron Pulao, and Butter Chicken. End the dinner with a Kulfilicious dessert in the flavours of rose, mango, Chikki Choco Mousse. Venue: Indego by Vineet, Grosvenor House Dubai Price: Starting from AED 250? (non-vegetarian and vegetarian menu available) Date: Available until August 31st Time: 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM Buddha-Bar Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and enchanting beats played by the resident DJs at Buddha-Bar this summer. Begin the journey with a refreshing cold starter selection, featuring the famous Buddha-Bar Chicken Salad and Prawn Hargao. For the main course, indulge in the delicious Thai Green Chicken Curry, Wok Seared Cantonese Beef, or Indonesian Nasi Goreng. Tuck into a delicious treat to satisfy your dessert cravings with the irresistible Mango Pudding to end the evening on a sweet note. Venue: Buddha-Bar, Grosvenor House Dubai Price: Starting from AED 250 Date: Available until August 31st Time: Sunday – Thursday 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Friday 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM, Saturday 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM Toro Toro In this uber-chic venue, Toro Toro offers a carefully curated set-menu from South America. Begin with Smoked Guacamole while choosing your starters for the evening. 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Arabian Post
12 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines Expand Global Connectivity
Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have launched a strategic codeshare partnership designed to broaden travel options and enhance connectivity across their global networks. This collaboration enables passengers to access a wider array of destinations with seamless transfer options, utilising the complementary routes of the two carriers. The agreement allows Etihad, based in Abu Dhabi, and Ethiopian Airlines, headquartered in Addis Ababa, to offer joint flight services where each airline sells seats on the other's flights under their own flight numbers. This integration facilitates smoother travel for customers by synchronising schedules and improving booking efficiency. The codeshare spans multiple regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, bringing more destinations within reach for travellers across the two networks. Etihad has been pursuing partnerships to strengthen its footprint across Africa and beyond, capitalising on Ethiopian Airlines' extensive reach as Africa's largest carrier by fleet size and destinations. Ethiopian operates over 60 passenger routes across the continent, as well as significant long-haul services to Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This codeshare allows Etihad to tap into new African markets that would otherwise require complex routing, enhancing its appeal to both business and leisure travellers seeking efficient connections. ADVERTISEMENT The deal is set to improve passenger experience by providing better coordination of schedules, baggage handling, and streamlined ticketing processes. This is critical in a region where connectivity often faces logistical challenges. For Ethiopian Airlines, the partnership enhances its access to the Middle East and onward connections via Etihad's global network, which includes significant hubs in the Gulf region, Europe, and beyond. Joint codeshare agreements like this reflect an industry trend where airlines seek to offer greater convenience through network alliances rather than costly route expansions. Given the competitive aviation landscape post-pandemic, airlines are leveraging collaborations to rebuild passenger confidence and improve load factors. Both Etihad and Ethiopian are looking to capitalise on growing travel demand, particularly the increasing economic ties between the Middle East and Africa. This arrangement also comes at a time when air traffic between Africa and the Middle East is recovering from the disruptions caused by the global health crisis and geopolitical uncertainties. Enhanced cooperation between carriers such as Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines supports the broader goal of facilitating smoother trade and tourism links across these interconnected regions. Travel industry analysts have noted the potential benefits of this partnership in creating more direct routes, reducing layover times, and offering customers a more consistent service standard across flights operated by either airline. Improved connectivity can also foster business growth, as companies in Africa and the Middle East increasingly require reliable travel options for corporate and cargo purposes. Both carriers have committed to leveraging their respective strengths: Etihad's reputation for premium service and advanced fleet, including its recent expansion with fuel-efficient aircraft, and Ethiopian Airlines' robust regional presence and operational expertise. Ethiopian has also invested in modernising its fleet with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s, positioning it as a key player in African aviation. 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The codeshare covers flights connecting Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub with Ethiopian's African network, facilitating travel to key African cities like Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, and Johannesburg, among others. This effectively expands Etihad's reach into high-demand African markets, supporting tourism, business travel, and diaspora communities. Regulatory approvals for the partnership have been secured from relevant aviation authorities, and the two airlines are moving quickly to integrate reservation systems and coordinate marketing efforts. Industry observers see this as a model for future collaborations between Middle Eastern and African carriers, with potential for further joint ventures or equity partnerships down the line. While the partnership is expected to bolster passenger volumes, it also has cargo implications. Both airlines operate significant cargo services, and improved network coordination can enhance freight movement efficiency, which is vital for trade and supply chains across the regions involved. This development highlights the strategic importance of partnerships in the aviation industry, especially for carriers seeking to optimise resources and enhance competitiveness without the high costs of route duplication. For travellers, the collaboration between Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines offers a practical solution to accessing a broader range of destinations with improved connectivity and reliability. The initiative also coincides with broader trends where Gulf carriers are strengthening ties with African airlines, reflecting the rising economic and geopolitical importance of Africa. Enhanced air connectivity is a key driver of investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between these regions. 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